Eating Disorders

About Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder involving repeated episodes of binge-eating (eating a large amount of food). Often, to prevent weight gain, people purge their body by self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics and enemas. Some may also exercise excessively or restrict their diet. People with bulimia often have low self-worth and judge their weight and body shape harshly. Some people with bulimia maintain a normal weight.

Treatment often helps patients improve their self-image and eating habits and prevent serious complications, which can include heart, teeth, and digestive problems, medication abuse and depression.

Mayo Clinic has an extensive history of treating eating disorders, including bulimia, through outpatient and inpatient programs. Learn more about bulimia treatment at Mayo Clinic.

Read more about bulimia at MayoClinic.com.